ShiZen Tea
Saemidori 2026 First Pick「さえみどり」- Premium Sencha from Kagoshima Japan 50g
Saemidori 2026 First Pick「さえみどり」- Premium Sencha from Kagoshima Japan 50g
About 16 cups per pouch
Approx. $0.69 per cup
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A soft Saemidori first-pick sencha from Kagoshima.
A fresh first-pick Saemidori with its soft cup character, first brew, and closest Saemidori comparison shown up front.
What the cup is like
Saemidori gives this first-pick sencha a soft, rounded cup with gentle sweetness and a fresh green finish. Choose it when you want premium sencha that feels smooth and approachable.
First cup
Brew this first cup once, then adjust leaf, water temperature, or time to your taste.
2026 First Pick — Just arrived
This year's first harvest from Chiran, Kagoshima — finished by Meiko Chagyo, the Shizuoka-based tea finisher we work with — has arrived in our shop. Best enjoyed by April 30, 2027. The previous 2025 batch is still available here while supplies last.
Kagoshima Fukamushi (Deep steamed) Sencha: A Blissful Cup Woven from the Blessings of Sun and Earth
- Origin: Kagoshima, Japan
- District: Chiran, Kagoshima
- Producer: Meiko Chagyo (Shizuoka-based tea finisher)
- Harvest Season: mid-April 2026
- Cultivar: Saemidori
- Steam: Deep steam
- Shading: around 7 days
- Net Weight: 50g (~16 servings)
Taste Notes:
- Umami: ■■■■□ (4/5)
- Sweetness: ■■■■■ (4/5)
- Astringency: ■□□□□ (1/5)
- Aroma: ■■■□□ (3/5)
- Body: ■■■■□ (4/5)
This year's batch: Smooth umami with a vivid, grassy aroma — more pronounced than last year. A mellow, rounded cup, and the leaves themselves show a beautifully bright green.
Why This Tea Is Special
"Saemidori" means "vivid green" in Japanese. But what truly sets this cultivar apart is its exceptional natural sweetness and deep umami — with almost none of the bitterness sometimes found in green tea. The deep-steaming (Fukamushi) method creates an exceptionally smooth, velvety cup.
From Kagoshima's Volcanic Terroir
At the southern tip of Japan, the active volcano Sakurajima has blessed the land with "Shirasu" — a light, well-draining volcanic soil ideal for growing healthy tea. Combined with the region's abundant sunshine, this terroir produces teas with a distinctly bright, cheerful character. It is this sun-filled energy that we wanted to capture and bring to you.
The farmer uses Fukamushi (deep-steaming), a difficult technique requiring great skill and intuition. A little too long, and the delicate flavor is lost. But when done perfectly, the leaves soften and release their full, rich umami — creating a beautifully smooth texture that sets this tea apart.
Teas to Try Alongside This One
If you are choosing Saemidori 2026, these companions make a useful first-pick and premium green-tea comparison set.
- Hoshino Shizuku 2026: for a deeper mountain-grown first-pick sencha from Yame Hoshinomura.
- Hatsuzumi 2026: for a clear, lightly steamed Sayama first-pick sencha with a different regional character.
- Organic Sencha Superior: for a mellow, certified-organic spring-pick sencha from Kawane.
- Organic Gyokuro: for a shaded, umami-rich green tea brewed cooler and more concentrated.
FAQ
Q. How soon will my order be shipped?
A. We typically ship orders within 1-3 business days. In the rare event that an item is out of stock, it may take longer. If that happens, we will contact you directly to discuss the options.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. If there is a quality issue, damage, defect, or wrong item, please contact us within 30 days so we can arrange a refund or replacement. Unopened tea in its original factory-sealed package and unused tea ware can be returned within 14 days. Opened tea cannot be returned for food-safety reasons. Orders can be cancelled before shipment. Please see our Refund Policy for the full terms.
Q. Is this tea organic?
A. This tea is not certified organic. It is produced in Japan under Japanese agricultural standards. If you are looking specifically for certified organic tea, we recommend our Organic Sencha or Organic Matcha.
Q. Will I have to pay customs and import taxes?
A. For U.S. orders, import duties and related charges are currently handled by ShiZen Tea when applicable, so you should not normally be asked to pay customs charges on delivery. For other countries, customs duties, import taxes, or local fees may vary depending on your country's regulations and may be charged to the buyer. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure.
Q. Can I track my order?
A. Yes, tracking is available for all orders. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number and a link to track your package.
Q. How much caffeine does this tea contain?
A. Yes. Like other Japanese green teas, this tea contains caffeine. The exact amount can vary depending on the tea amount, water temperature, and steeping time. If you are sensitive to caffeine, we recommend enjoying it earlier in the day.
Q. How should I store the tea?
A. Please store the tea in a cool, dark place, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. After opening, seal the package tightly and enjoy it as soon as possible, while the aroma is still fresh.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as PayPal.